President Yoweri Museveni has enlisted the support of Luweero Bush war veterans and NRM political activists in his battle against corruption in government.

The President who was addressing over 1000 Luweero bush war veterans and NRM political activists at State House Entebbe yesterday urged them to join his corruption battle in government.

“I want you to join me to protect government funds which we have been sending to the people through government development programmes like the Universal Primary Education (UPE),  Bonna Bagaggawale (PFA), Universal Secondary  Education (USE), poverty alleviation through Savings and Credit Co-operative Organisations (SACCOs) and protection of drugs in government hospitals", he said.

The President expressed concern that the veterans and NRM political activists have not helped him in his battle against graft in government.

President Museveni also urged them to help him to deal with government officials who delay or undermine the flow of government services to the people.

"If all government programmes were benefiting the people, we wouldn’t be talking about poverty in Uganda. We have pumped billions of shillings to the people through government programmes", he said.

"Instead of protecting UPE funds, Bonna Bagaggawale, which would benefit you and all Ugandans, you confront me with personal problems. Personal problems are not important. They can be addressed through the universal government programmes", he said.

He told the veterans that he will no longer entertain personal problems except those he had already documented.

"I am wasting a lot of time to deal with personal problems. Channel them through SACCOS”, he said adding that he will assist well managed SACCOS to ensure that they help the poor.

President Museveni assured his visitors that if they form strong and financially viable SACCOS, he will give them financial assistance without waiting for other government channels. He was impressed by some groups that are already in operation. President Museveni said that both the veterans and NRM political activists must take government programmes seriously. He also urged them to confront the corrupt.

"It is a taboo for us in NRM for teachers in both primary and secondary schools to charge fees and other expenses. The corrupt teachers are charging our people money. Why don’t you confront them and tell them that it is illegal and help the public instead of fighting for individual problems", he asked.

Mr. Museveni explained that in public schools, parents must pay for exercise books, prepare entanda for their children and buy uniforms. Any teacher who demands more than the other enumerated three is corrupt and must be put to order", he said. He urged Ugandans to produce enough food for their children adding that this does not require much money but personal effort.

The President said that he needs ample time to address national problems.  Among the cattle keepers, Mr. Museveni explained, when one is watering his cows, it is a taboo to divert him with other problems. When I am watering Uganda's problems, then you come with your personal problems. Allow me to concentrate on Uganda's national problems so that we deal with personal problems through other channels", he said.

Mr. Museveni disclosed that the Minister of State for Luweero Triangle Mr. Nyombi Tembo has several programmes like the Luwero War Veterans Pension Scheme, Rwenzori – Luweero War Veterans’ Association which can easily help the veterans. He told the veterans that he was investigating accusations against NAADS that it helps the rich and items intended to help the poor are shared by the leaders.
On the delay of Busega market, the President was informed by Lubaga Division Chairperson, Pastor Peter Ssematimba that the price for land had been inflated four times and the financing Bank had rejected the project because the area is in a wet land. He assured the President that several alternative places had been identified for the project.

However, many veterans and political activists complained about the running of NRM as a party and accused some of its leaders of laxity. “We need a vibrant ruling party but in many cases our NRM leaders have not performed to our expectations", one of them told the President.

The meeting was also addressed by the President’s Principal Private Secretary, Mrs. Amelia Kyambadde. She promised to clear all the impending pledges handled by her office before she leaves for politics.  Many of the veterans handed in their associations’ and groups’ for funding. The meeting was attended by Local Government Minister, Adolf Mwesige. E  N  D  S